COURSE GUIDE

COURSE GUIDE
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in International Business
Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in International Business
Course code: 603
Faculty of Business
2011‐12
Masters (Level 7)

Table of contents
Welcome to the M.Sc. in International Business ...................................................................................3
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................3
1. COURSE DETAILS AND MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................4
1.1 Information and Communication .................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Course Calendar ......................................................................................................................... 5
2. COURSE DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................................7
2.1 Title of Course ............................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Mode and Pattern of Attendance ................................................................................................. 7
2.3 Attendance in Other Countries ..................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Course Philosophy ...................................................................................................................... 7
3. COURSE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Aims ........................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Expected Career Paths ............................................................................................................... 10
3.4 English Language Policy ............................................................................................................. 11
3.5 Equal Opportunities .................................................................................................................. 11
3.6 Disability Policy ......................................................................................................................... 11
3.7 Dyslexia Support ....................................................................................................................... 11
4. COURSE STRUCTURE ..................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Course Structure ....................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Option Units ............................................................................................................................. 14
5. TEACHING AND LEARNING PATTERNS ........................................................................................... 15
5.1 The Taught Units ...................................................................................................................... 15
5.2 Assessment Rationale ............................................................................................................... 16
5.3. Personal Development Planning (PDP) ........................................................................................ 22
6. LEARNING SUPPORT ..................................................................................................................... 24
6.1 Subject Support for Individual Modules ....................................................................................... 24
6.2 General Learning Support .......................................................................................................... 24
7. CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COURSE ............................................................... 26
7.1 Course Management ................................................................................................................. 26
7.2 Course Board ............................................................................................................................ 26
7.3 Course Monitoring Procedures ................................................................................................... 26
8. COURSE REGULATIONS ................................................................................................................. 27
8.1 Assessment Regulations: Awards and Progression ........................................................................ 27
8.2. Award Board and External Examiners .......................................................................................... 30
MSc International Business Course Guide 2

Welcome to the M.Sc. in International Business
Welcome to the Masters Degree programme in International Business of London South Bank University,
in conjunction with University of Applied Sciences, Mainz, Germany; Loyola College, University of
Madras; Assumption University (ABAC), Bangkok, Thailand; In Pole University, Leonardo da Vinci, Paris,
France; INHolland University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and the International
Business Academy, Kolding, Denmark (Distance Learning).
This programme is offered by LSBU’s Faculty of Business. The Faculty is highly ranked with a long
established reputation for teaching and research in Business Studies.
This guide is designed to provide you with the information you need to study on the programme and
details of who to contact if you have any further questions.
I hope you will find the M.Sc. International Business enjoyable, fulfilling and challenging. My colleagues
and I are here to try to ensure that this is the case.
Colquhoun Fergusson
Course Director
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to provide you with the information you need about the course. It contains
sections on course management/administration, aims and learning outcomes, course structure, you
should retain this guide for future reference.
MSc International Business Course Guide 3

1. COURSE DETAILS AND MANAGEMENT
Course Details:
Name of Award: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in International Business
Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in International Business
Level: 7 (Masters)
Award with distinction possible: Yes
Validating Body: London South Bank University
Business & Management: Type 1 A/B Specialist Master’s Degree
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education N o Length and mode:
CL12/02
Full‐time: 2 semesters + dissertation stage (semester 3)
Part‐time: 4 semesters + dissertation stage (semester 5)
Calendar: Semesters
Faculty:
Course Management Team:
Business
Course Director London: Colquhoun Ferguson
Room: L321 (London Road)
email: fergusc2@lsbu.ac.uk
Phone: 020 7815 7871
Associate Course Director London: Ceyhun Elci
Room: L317 (London Road)
email: ceyhun.elci@lsbu.ac.uk
Course Manager (Administrator)
Lodnon:
Phone: 020 7815 7071
Fatmatta Sawlani
Room: L105 (London Road)
email: sawlanf@lsbu.ac.uk
Phone: 020 7815 7409
Course Director Germany: Professor Rudiger Nagel
email: Prof.Nagel@t‐online.de
Course Manager Germany: C. Dolle‐Gschweng
email: claudia.dolle‐gschweng@wiwi.fh‐mainz.de
website: http://www.fh‐mainz.de/business/study‐
programmes/international‐business‐msc‐master‐full‐time‐
postgraduate/index.html
Course Director India: Dr. A. Marcus
email: kittipht@au.edu
Course Manager India: M. Vijayan
email: ciployola@gmail.com
website: http://www.loyolacollege.edu/M.Sc.IB_Southbank.htm
Course Director Thailand: Kitti Photikitti
email: kittipht@au.edu
Course Manager Thailand: Cho Cho Kun
email: chocho.abac@yahoo.com
website: http://www.grad.au.edu/program/
Course Director France: Maryse Chanteloup
e‐mail: maryse.chanteloup@devinci.fr
website: http://www.emlv.fr/formations/programmes/masters/msc‐
international‐business/msc‐international‐business.342.html
Course Director Holland: Tiny Gilliam
email: tiny.gilliam@inholland.nl
website: http://www.inholland.nl/
MSc International Business Course Guide 4

1.1 Information and Communication
Course Guide and Module Guides
This guide provides you with general information on the course, details of individual modules
are contained in the relevant Module Guide’s.
Blackboard
The blackboard site http://blackboard.lsbu.ac.uk/, once logged‐in, contains the latest version of
this Course Guide, Module Guide’s, learning materials, assessments, notices relating to the
course, etc. You should view this site regularly to keep in touch with developments on the
course and modules
Contacting staff
For advice and guidance on all matters relating to the programme, you can contact Colquhoun
Ferguson and the course administrator (see page 4), who will refer you to University services as
appropriate. For academic matters relating to individual modules the first point of contact
should be module leaders whose details are listed in Section 4 below. A full list of staff tutors
for each module and their office hours are contained in the relevant module guide.
Day‐to‐day communications
You must provide the course administrator with an up‐to‐date email address and
telephone contact number.
This email address will be used when we need to contact you, for example to give you your
results.
You should regularly check your LSBU email address, as this will be used by the blackboard
system.
You should view the notices on the M.Sc. International Business (IB) blackboard site
regularly.
If you are unable to attend classes you should inform the course administrator. Long term
absence should be discussed with the Course Director: Colquhoun Ferguson.
If a tutor fails to turn up for a class please inform the course administrator.
If you are in doubt or unsure about something please contact either the course
administrator or Colquhoun. We are here to support you.
1.2 Course Calendar
The University operates a semester system; the academic year is divided into two semesters,
each of which lasts fifteen (15) weeks. The calendar is interrupted by holiday periods at
Christmas, Easter and Whitsun. The university calendar dates for 2011‐12 are on page 6.
The first thirteen (13) weeks of each semester consist of lectures and seminars, which are then
followed by examinations. During each semester, you take three (3) modules. The dissertation
stage is commenced at the end of the second semester. You are required to submit your
dissertations by 10 December, 2012.
The course begins with enrolment and orientation, during which you are introduced to the
procedures and regulations of the university and receive further information about the
structure and operation of the course.
MSc International Business Course Guide 5

LSBU 2011‐12 Calendar Note: Semester 1 timings will vary by centre
SEMESTER 1
2011 Week
September 12 Pre Study Economics Begins till September 30
September 19 LSBU Enrolment
September 20 LSBU Orientation
September 26 1 Semester 1 ‐ Full teaching begins: Lectures & Seminars
October 3 2
October 10 3
October 17 4
October 24 5
October 31 6
November 7 7
November 14 8 Course Board Meeting (provisional)
November 21 9
November 28 10
December 5 11 Semester 2: Option form completed and returned
December 12 12 LSBU Autumn Term ends December 16
2012 Christmas Break (3 weeks)
January 9 13 LSBU Spring Term begins January 9
January 16 14 Semester 1 exams Week 1
January 23 15 Semester 1 exams Week 2
SEMESTER 2
January 30 1 Semester 2 ‐ Full teaching begins: Lectures & Seminars
February 6 2
February 13 3 February 17‐19, Residential weekend (provisional)
February 20 4
February 27 5
March 5 6 Provisional exam results released
March 12 7
March 19 8 Course Board Meeting (provisional)
March 26 9 Spring term ends, April 8
Easter break (3 weeks)
April 23 10 Summer term begins, April 23
April 30 11
May 7 12
May 14 13
May 21 14 Semester 2 exams Week 1
May 28 15 Semester 2 exams Week 2
June 4 Recess week
June 8 June 8 End of Semester 2
SEMESTER 3
June 11 1+ Semester 3 ‐ Dissertation stage begins
Early July LSBU examination board
Mid July Examination results
August 13 Resit coursework deadline (provisional)
August 20 Resit examinations (provisional)
December 10 27 Dissertation deadline
2013
March 4 LSBU Awards board ‐ Masters Result (provisional)
July 22 Degree ceremonies 22‐26 July
MSc International Business Course Guide 6

2. COURSE DESCRIPTION
2.1 Title of Course
Masters of Science (M.Sc.)/Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in International Business
2.2 Mode and Pattern of Attendance
Currently, the course is taught on a full‐time and part‐time basis, with entry possible only at
the beginning of the academic year in September. The course has two parts:‐
a) A taught part that for full‐time students is spread over two semesters, each of which
lasts for fifteen weeks. In each semester, you take three modules, each of which
involves attendance for a minimum of four hours per week (five hours for some units).
Part‐time students take two modules per semester for four semesters.
b) The Dissertation Stage, during which students undertake your own research.
As a requirement you must attend the Residential Weekend, which takes place in February
during the second semester. (Further details are given below).
2.3 Attendance in Other Countries
The first semester of the programme is also taught in English in 4 other centres:‐
University of Applied Sciences, Mainz, Germany
Loyola College, University of Madras, Chennai, India
Assumption University (ABAC), Bangkok, Thailand
INHolland, University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Students taking the first semester in one of these centres follow the same study and
assessment programme as London. After completing the first semester assessments, students
from these centres join the second semester at London South Bank at the end of January. All
students are encouraged to stay in London for the Dissertation Stage, although there is no
requirement to attend any classes during this time during semester 3.
Students from Paris follow a different pattern taking the first semester at LSBU and the second
semester in Paris.
2.4 Course Philosophy
Introduction
The subject of International Business has been a central focus for staff drawn from a variety of
subject areas in the Faculty of Business for more than twenty years. Initially, a number of
undergraduate programmes in International Business were developed. These included a
Bachelors degree in International Business with Languages and an International Business
pathway on the Bachelor in Business Studies/Administration. Subsequently, this led to the
development of the current Masters’ programme after continuous developments taking into
consideration the fast‐moving international business environment. Underpinning curriculum
development has been a strong research interest on the part of staff within the Faculty. This is
now formalised in the Centre for International Business (See page 16 below)
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/cibs/ which runs a lecture and seminar series and publishes a working
paper series. Students will find the events mounted by the centre extremely useful to
supplement their studies, to provide ideas and methodologies for dissertations.
MSc International Business Course Guide 7

The Masters in International Business began as a small, part‐time, evening‐only programme,
before being offered as a full‐time course also. Thereafter, the course grew to the present size
of roughly 150 students a year. At the same time, collaborative programmes were begun with
several universities in other countries, beginning with Assumption University in Bangkok in
Thailand. Later, they were expanded to include the University of Applied Science in Germany,
Loyola College in India and Beijing Institute of Technology in China. Recently, a part‐time, e‐
learning version of the course has been developed jointly with the International Business
Academy in Denmark. Furthermore the course has begun collaborations with Pôle University,
Léonard de Vinci in France and INHolland, University of Applied Science in The Netherlands.
The Focus of the Course
The major reason for running a Masters in International Business has been the increased
importance of the international dimension in the business world. In the modern world, most
large and medium‐sized companies, and even many small companies, are, to some degree,
operating in a global environment. The market for their goods or services is likely to be, at least
partially, an international one. This requires them to seek out customers or clients outside the
boundaries of their own country. The development of overseas production of goods or services
has meant that increasingly companies are becoming multi/transnational corporations. A recent
controversial development has been the practise of companies outsourcing essential services or
production processes to other countries.
The increased importance of the international dimension to business is a reflection of the
process of globalisation. Through the expansion of trade and investment, countries have
become more integrated and, hence, more interdependent than ever before. As capital has
been able to flow more freely from one country to another, financial markets have become
increasingly interconnected. Increased movements of people and the growth of new forms of
international communication have served, further, to raise the awareness of companies to
business opportunities abroad. Mass advertising and new methods of selling goods and services
have caused markets to become more global in scope.
All aspects of the business function – organisational structures, employment policy,
management systems, accounting arrangements, marketing strategies and financial decision‐
making – have been affected by the globalisation of the business environment. This means that
no managers can operate successfully in the modern world without an appreciation and
understanding of these developments.
The Internationalisation Process
The MSc International Business seeks to cover all the key aspects of this internationalisation
process, through a study of the core areas that constitute the subject of international business:‐
International Business Economics: ‐ this module both trade and finance as it examines the
massive expansion of world trade in both goods and services that has occurred since 1945.
It examines the major changes in the way that countries trade with each other, new sources
of international competition and new rules and institutions governing world trade. While
considering the expansion of global finance that has opened up new financial markets and
led to the development of new financial instruments and the growth of international
markets and increased the importance of risk management risk within the firm.
International Management: ‐ the rise of the modern, multinational or transnational
corporation, the growth of globalised production and new forms of cooperation and
competition between companies in different countries, has impacted upon the strategies
pursued. These international strategies and the way companies are managed has also had
to change as companies have grown larger and become more international. The
organisational adaptation of the management of the organisation in general and in relation
to human resource are analysed in this core module.
MSc International Business Course Guide 8

Global Information Systems for Strategic Advantage: ‐ examines the affect of expanding
technological decisions in a global business environment, the growth in the importance of
international Information Communications Technology with national infrastructures and
regulatory regimes, global IT applications, global IS development strategies, global supply
chains, offshore outsourcing, global management support systems and global IS/IT
strategies are essential in business decision making as managers and covered with this core
module.
Specialist options create a further opportunity for you to study specific aspects that interest you
most.
The overall objective of the course is to create and train informed and intelligent decision‐
takers, whether in the private or public, voluntary or profit‐making, national or international
sectors.
MSc International Business Course Guide 9

3. COURSE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
3.1 Aims
The aim of the course is to provide students with a systematic, comprehensive, in‐depth study
of the subject matter of international business and to develop the ability to critically evaluate
and appraise existing theories/hypotheses/ideas about changes taking place in the world of
international business. The objective is to produce more effective decision‐takers, who have the
knowledge and understanding, the confidence and skills to engage in independent, original
thought, having both an academic and a practical relevance. The ability to undertake
independent research to test particular hypotheses or solve current problems within a time
constraint constitutes the basis for the Masters challenge.
3.2 Objectives
With this overall aim in mind, the course seeks to develop the following specific objectives:
a systematic understanding of the core disciplines of international business, namely,
international business economics and finance, international strategy & management,
international information systems and marketing.
critical awareness of current problems and new insights at the forefront of the different
disciplines and areas of study that are involved
a comprehensive understanding of the techniques of scientific investigation and their
application to the study of the different subject disciplines
originality in thinking about and applying the knowledge acquired from the study of the
various disciplines
the ability to use scientific research techniques to engage in independent investigation and
thereby to expand our existing knowledge and understanding of particular issues
conceptual understanding to enable critical evaluation of current research, including the
evaluation of methodologies used and to propose new hypotheses
team working skills through the techniques of group projects, case studies and other forms
of collaborative work
an awareness and understanding of how different cultural attitudes and beliefs shape the
international business environment in different regions of the world.
3.3 Expected Career Paths
The careers paths open to students who successfully complete the course are varied. Many will
choose a career working as managers/executives for a company in their own or another country
in the manufacturing, business analyst, financial, marketing, information systems and trading
sectors. Some may seek a career working as consultants, advisers or analysts, using the
knowledge and skills of critical and original thinking to advise others. Students with an interest
in the financial aspects of international business may seek careers as traders, dealers or
operatives in the financial markets of their own or another country. Others may prefer a career
working for a government body in their own country or for an international institution or
agency in an administrative or research capacity. Increasingly, there are opportunities for
working in the non‐profit making sector or for non‐governmental organizations, representing
particular groups or sectors and seeking to bring pressure to bear on national or international
policy makers. Finally, for some, the Masters’ degree will provide a platform for embarking on
further postgraduate studies, leading to a doctorate and career in research or as an academic.
MSc International Business Course Guide 10

3.4 English Language Policy
Many taking this course will come from countries other than the United Kingdom. As the course
is studied entirely in English, an entry requirement is that students must be able to demonstrate
an appropriate level of competence in English Language. Normally, non‐native speakers will not
be accepted onto the course without a formal English Language qualification. However,
experience has shown that most students, for whom English is not their first language, require
additional help with both understanding and writing in English. Non‐native speakers are,
therefore, required to attend additional classes in English Language skills for a minimum of two
hours per week in both semesters. Only students who can demonstrate a high level of
competency in English will be exempt from these classes and attendance will be monitored.
In addition, all students studying the first semester in London, for whom English is not their
native language will receive a copy of a CD produced by the English Language service called
“Academic Assistant” which is designed to assist overseas students with developing the
academic skills required for successfully passing the course. Non‐native speakers are strongly
encouraged to make use of this CD. Please note that it is a requirement of the course that all
assessed work, including the dissertation, must be written and presented in good quality,
grammatically correct and well‐written English.
3.5 Equal Opportunities
The Faculty of Business fully supports and implements the University policy on equal
opportunities. In line with this, any student with learning or other disability that interferes with
their ability to study or undertake assessments will be given whatever support is required to
ensure that they are not disadvantaged.
3.6 Disability Policy
Disability support is available to all disabled students at London South Bank University to help
them cope with practical, academic and personal needs arising from their disabilities. The
Learning Support Team provides a broad range of support services for students with disabilities
other than dyslexia. The services on offer include needs assessment, one to one advice and
guidance, equipment assessment, special arrangements for studying, personal support systems
and examinations. For further information see the Disability & Dyslexia Support website
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/clsd/disabilities/index.shtml
3.7 Dyslexia Support
Dyslexia support is available for all students with dyslexia at LSBU to enable them to cope with
the practical, academic and personal needs while on their course. The Centre for Learning
Support and Development team provide a broad range of services for dyslexic students at the
university. This includes initial screening through to diagnostic assessment referral, one to one
advice and guidance, group work for learning support, advice to tutors, examination concession
advice and staff training. Fore further information see Disability & Dyslexia Support website
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/clsd/disabilities/index.shtml
MSc International Business Course Guide 11

4. COURSE STRUCTURE
4.1 Course Structure
Semester 1
You will take the following 3 core semester 1 modules:
Module title Module Coordinator Contact Details
International Business Economics Nigel Grimwade email: grimwans@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L327
Phone: 020 7815 7772
International Management Lesley Gadman
& Colin Knapp
Analytical Techniques for
International Business & Finance
Semester 2
All students have 2 pathway options, in semester 2:
a. General Pathway
b. Finance Pathway
email: gadmanl@lsbu.ac.uk
email: knappc@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L324 / L253
Phone: 020 7815 8286 / 7769
Gurjeet Dhesi email: dhesig@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L130
Phone: 020 7815 7090
GENERAL PATHWAY
This pathway leads to the award of an: M.Sc. International Business
Pathway coordinator: Ceyhun Elci, email: ceyhun.elci@lsbu.ac.uk Room: L317
You will take the following 2 core semester 2 modules:
Module title Module coordinator Contact Details
Global Information Systems for Colquhoun Ferguson email: fergusc2@lsbu.ac.uk
Strategic Advantage
Room: L321
Phone: 020 7815 7871
Research Methods Avril Platt
email: plattas@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L353
Phone: 020 7815 6691
and you will choose and take 2 of the following general pathway optional modules:
Module title Module coordinator Contact Details
Business Environment in Asia‐ Nigel Grimwade email: grimwans@lsbu.ac.uk
Pacific
Room: L327
Phone: 020 7815 7772
Digital & Social Media Beverley Barker email: barkerba@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L343
Phone: 020 7815 7803
European Business Brian Ardy email: ardybm@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L137
Phone: 020 7815 8129
Global Operations and Logistics Laurence Fisher email: fisherla@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L322
Phone: 020 7815 6197
International Marketing Lakdhar Boukersi email: boukerl@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L316
Phone: 020 7815 7773
MSc International Business Course Guide 12

Managing across Cultures Colin Knapp email: knappc@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L253
Phone: 020 7815 7769
Managing International Resources Ceyhun Elci email: ceyhun.elci@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L317
Phone: 020 7815 7071
Marketing Communications Kim Roberts email: robertkg@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L112
Phone: 020 7815 7893
Service Sector Consultation Ceyhun Elci email: ceyhun.elci@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L317
Phone: 020 7815 7071
Sustainable Development & Global
Citizenship
Preparing A Project Business Case
David Clemson email: d.clemson@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L45
Phone: 020 7815 7713
Gary Bell email: bellgaa@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L255
Phone: 020 7815 7498
FINANCE PATHWAY
This pathway leads to the award of an: M.Sc. International Business with Finance
Pathway coordinator: Ajjay Mandal, email: mandala@lsbu.ac.uk Room: L47
You will take the following three core units:
Module title Module coordinator Contact Details
International Finance & Decision Ajjay Mandal email: mandala@lsbu.ac.uk
Making
Room: L47
Phone: 020 7815 7807
Research Methods Avril Platt
email: plattas@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L353
Phone: 020 7815 6691
and you will choose and take 1 of the following finance pathway optional modules:
Module title Module coordinator Contact Details
Asset Fund Management Shashi Kumar email: kumars@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L42
Phone: 020 7815 7792
Bank Governance & Regulation Carolina Valiente email: valienc@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L342
Phone: 020 7815 7810
International Banking & Bank
Performance
Portfolio Theory & Investment
Analysis
Carolina Valiente email: valienc@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L342
Phone: 020 7815 7810
Howard Griffiths email: griffihr@lsbu.ac.uk
Room: L393
Phone: 020 7815 7873
Semester 3
July 2011 – December 10, 2012
You will complete a dissertation on an international business (for finance path, should be a
finance based) topic:
Dissertation Ceyhun Elci
email: ceyhun.elci@lsbu.ac.uk
Room L317
Phone: 020 7815 7071
MSc International Business Course Guide 13

4.2 Option Units
The options in the second semester are intended to give you an opportunity to specialise in an
area of particular interest to you. Your choice may also be influenced by the particular career
that you intend to pursue or by the subjects studied in your first degree. The range of options
from which to choose will depend, partly, on staff availability and, partly, on sufficient numbers
of students. The minimum number of students required for an option to run is normally
twelve. So your first choice of option may not run, if this is the case you will be allocated to
your second choice. The procedure for option selection is as follows. Towards the end of
Semester 1, you will be asked to indicate the option that you wish to take, as well as your
second and third choices. You will be informed before the start of Semester 2 on the outcome
of your option choices.
Extra Business Economics
Most students, who are accepted onto the course, are assumed to have prior knowledge of
basic Business Economics. This is because Economics provides an essential underpinning for
many of the units that make up the course. Students who have never studied Economics before
(or who wish to refresh their knowledge of the subject) are required to attend a short, pre‐
study course in Business Economics in September in preparation for joining the course. The
course is taught at LSBU but is available on a distance learning basis for students not in London.
The course concludes with a short diagnostic exercise.
Students with a continuing weakness in Economics and/or who would benefit from further
intensive study of the subject may be required to attend an extra class in Business Economics,
which will be conducted for three hours a week in the first eight weeks of Semester 1.
Equivalent arrangements for extra help in Economics will also be provided in the overseas
centres also.
MSc International Business Course Guide 14

5. TEACHING AND LEARNING PATTERNS
5.1 The Taught Units
The taught modules of the course are delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars
and self‐learning.
Lectures
Lectures normally last for two hours and are used to provide a basic outline of the module.
Lecture notes for most modules are available on Blackboard (see below). You should print off
these notes and any diagrams or tables, as hard copies may not be supplied at the lecture.
Notes should also be taken by you in lectures because this will help you concentrate and may
continue additional material. Attendance at lectures is compulsory, but, if you should miss a
lecture, it is important to do the necessary supporting reading before attending the next lecture
on the module.
Seminars
Seminars normally last for two hour and provide a more informal, small‐group setting in which
aspects of the subject matter can be discussed in greater depth. At the beginning of the course,
you will be assigned to a seminar group, which is made up of between 15 to 25 students. You
will stay in this group for all your core modules. The format of the seminar will vary a great deal
from one module to another. However, an essential element in all seminars is student
participation and interaction with other members of the group, as well as with the seminar
tutor. Be warned ‐ students are strongly discouraged from sitting quietly or passively during
seminars!
For all classes, you are asked to arrive punctually at the start of the lecture/seminar to avoid
disrupting the lecturer and other students. You are also asked to turn off all mobile phones.
Self Learning/Study Hours
Self learning is an essential part of the learning pattern for all modules on the course. The
specific requirements for individual modules are set out in the Module Guide. These will require
you to undertake extensive, week‐by‐week reading in support of each lecture. Much of the
subject matter covered in the lectures will only become meaningful and interesting if you
undertake the required reading. Failure to do so will mean that you will be unable to pass the
module. For each of the modules, you should be prepared to purchase a copy of at least one of
the core texts.
Timetables
Timetables with times and venues for classes in first and second semesters are available on the
Faculty website http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/bustt/
Module Guides
For each module you will receive a Module Guide setting out the aims and objectives of the
module, learning outcomes, learner support material, assessment requirements and the weekly
teaching and learning programme. You must read and digest the information contained in the
Module Guide. These will normally be distributed to students at the first lecture for the module.
Blackboard
Blackboard is an interactive learning medium that is used throughout the university for teaching
purposes, accessible through the main university website. Following enrolment, you will be able
to access Blackboard using your user name and specially designated password.
MSc International Business Course Guide 15

The course Blackboard site contains a copy of the Course Guide and other relevant Course
Documents that you can download. It is also a means whereby notices and other information
can be instantly distributed to you. Such information will include list of students in different
seminar groups, timetabling information, dissertation supervisors and handing‐in dates for
assessment. Therefore, you are expected to regularly consult the course site.
In addition to the course website, most modules taught on the course, including the
Dissertation, have individual Blackboard sites. These contain a copy of the Module Guide and
other relevant materials, such as lecture notes and Powerpoint slides. Lecturers may also use
their Blackboard sites to give notices or make announcements. You should frequently consult
the Blackboard sites for the units you are taking.
The Centre for International Business (CIBS)
An integral part of the Masters programme is the opportunity that exists for all students to
attend events organised by the Centre for International Business. CIBS is a research centre
within the Faculty of Business, which undertakes research and runs a programme of talks by
outside speakers. The director of the centre is Michael Rigby, an expert on international
employee relationships. Two lectures per semester will be arranged that will be of special
interest to you, the lectures will be organized on a day when classes are taking place, will last
for roughly an hour and will be followed by refreshments. There are also a series of seminars
where greater discussion is possible. You are strongly encouraged to attend these events to
supplement your studies, and to provide ideas and methodologies for dissertations. Notices of
these events will be given on the M.Sc. International Business Blackboard site, or you can visit
the CIBS website: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/cibs/ which contains lecture notes and slides and an
extensive working paper series.
5.2 Assessment Rationale
Forms of Assessment
The modules on the course are assessed by a mixture of both coursework and examination.
Although some modules are assessed by coursework only, most units are partly assessed by
examinations. Examinations are an important way of assessing knowledge and understanding of
a module. Generally, they cover a larger part of the subject matter than coursework. They,
therefore, require students to have a more broad‐ranging knowledge and understanding of the
subject, rather than focusing on only one aspect. Also, exams are usually unseen, requiring
students to think independently without the aid of books or lecture notes. In most core
modules, the examination accounts for the larger part of the assessment, although option
modules often rely somewhat less on examinations.
However, examinations can be an artificial and even distorted way of assessing a student’s
ability in a particular subject. For this reason, in all modules, some reliance is placed on
coursework, where students have the opportunity to prepare an answer to a question at their
own pace and in their own time, making use of books and other sources. Coursework also gives
each student more freedom to choose the particular aspect of the subject matter on which they
would like to write.
A great variety of different forms of coursework assessment are used on the course, including
word‐constrained (long or short) essays, case studies, quantitative problem‐solving exercises,
group projects and reports and oral presentations of a topic. Each of these forms of assessment
test different skills that the course seeks to develop.
Submission of coursework
These are the details for LSBU; alternative procedures may apply at other centres.
1. All coursework must be submitted before the deadline established with the module guides
or by the module coordinator, to room LR 105 (refer to module coordinator at other centres
MSc International Business Course Guide 16

for procedures). The normal office hours for LR 105 are 8.30 am to 6.30 pm but please note:
the office shuts at 4.00pm on Fridays, if you have a deadline to meet on a Friday, you will
have to submit before 4.00pm.
You will find the Faculty Office gets very busy as the hand‐in deadline approaches. Students
from other courses and modules may have the same deadline as you, and most of the
queuing is caused by students filling in the form at the counter. A good tip is to collect the
form in advance, fill it in at home, and then submit with your coursework at the desk.
Post box for coursework submission
Outside the Faculty Office (L105) is a blue "post box" for course work submission. If the
office is closed ‐ put your work together with the submission form into that box. Your work
will be stamped with the following day's date, and you can collect your receipt from the
office during office hours.
2. There is a coursework submission form obtainable in the Faculty Office, which has to be
completed and handed in with each of your submissions. The form consists of 4
carbonated pages. Please write the details in firmly so that it copies through to all the
pages. You must fill in all the details, if you don't it may cause delay in getting your
assignment marked. The top white copy will be date stamped and returned to you. It is
your receipt that you handed in the coursework. Make sure you don't lose it.
The details you will need to fill in are:
your student ID number
your surname and first name
the title of the course, and the year of the course
the title of the module
the title of your work
the name of the person who will mark the module (normally the module leader)
the deadline date for hand‐in
the date of the hand‐in
your signature
3. Work must be submitted to the school office not the Module Coordinator or any other
lecturer.
4. Late hand‐in of coursework: any work handed in after the published deadline without an
extension will be subject to a penalty: work submitted up to two weeks after the deadline
will receive a maximum mark of 50%. Work submitted more than two weeks after the
deadline will not be marked and so no mark will be recorded for this course work. It is
therefore awarded zero %.
5. Coursework deadline extensions: if you are unable to submit your work by the deadline as
a result of circumstances beyond your control e.g. illness, you should complete a copy of
the late submission of coursework form available from LR 105, or download it at
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/downloads/LateSubmissionForm.pdf This form will
have to be signed by the Course Director, Colquhoun Ferguson or the Module Coordinator
and a new deadline no more than two weeks from the original deadline set. Normally, you
will be asked to provide documentary evidence for the reasons given for requesting an
extension (e.g. a doctor’s certificate is needed in the event of sickness).
6. Copies of coursework: you must always keep at least one copy of any work that you have
submitted in case the assignment is lost
7. Electronic copies: some modules may require you to submit your coursework in electronic
form, details of how this should be done will be included in the module guide.
MSc International Business Course Guide 17

8. Students should plan their work in a professional manner, and avoid submitting work
late because of technical problems. Students should note that:
Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes
Section 12.8.1.
A student may not claim extenuating circumstances on the grounds that …
(d) work was lost because of a technical or other failure (e.g. computer failure).
The Dissertation
To be eligible for the award of the Masters, you are required to write a dissertation of no more
than 20,000 words on a topic which you have chosen, subject to the approval of the Associate
Course Director (Ceyhun Elci, see page 4 for contact details). The topic chosen must be within
the broad area of International Business. It may be based in one or more of the major subject
areas studied in the taught part of the programme (i.e. International Business Economics, Trade
International Firms, International Finance, International Strategy, International Management
and any optional subject).
The dissertation has three aims:‐
To undertake, complete and present an advanced piece of independent research on an
International Business topic
To cover a research topic in an integrated way, in terms of hypothesis, methodology,
documentation and presentation of results
To apply productively and in a disciplined way the insights, perceptions and analytical skills
derived from the taught modules of the course
Detailed guidance on principles and methods of research and how to undertake research will be
given in the Research Methods module, which is studied in semester 2. A copy of the
Dissertation Guidelines will also be issued to you in the form of the M.Sc. International Business
Dissertation Handbook and will be made available on Blackboard. These guidelines provide
detailed instruction on what is required in the dissertation. Further information about the
writing of the dissertation will be provided at the Residential Weekend in February (see below).
During the second semester, you will be expected to identify an area of research that you would
like to undertake for your dissertation. Shortly after returning from the Residential Weekend,
you will be required to submit a formal proposed research title and outline. At this point, you
should talk to appropriate members of the course team for advice on their proposed topic. An
opportunity for such discussion will be provided at the Residential Weekend.
After submitting your research outline, you will be allocated a facilitator from among the
lecturing staff in the Faculty. The facilitator will be a lecturer with expertise in the broad area of
research that you have chosen. The task of the facilitator is to guide you through the research,
and writing of your dissertation and, eventually, to be the first marker of the completed work.
While they will give you advice when asked, facilitators may not help you with your research or
the writing of the dissertation. You will be expected to arrange meetings with your facilitator as
and when appropriate. These meetings should occur on a minimum number of three occasions
during the period of your research to review progress and to give advice.
You will be required to submit three copies of your dissertation, two properly bound and
written in the required format, plus an electronic version, by 10 December 2012 (exact details
will informed during your research methods module in semester 2, which you must attend
regularly). Requests for an extension of the submission deadline have to be made in writing
and submitted to the Dissertation Module Coordinator ‐ Associate Course Director, Ceyhun Elci.
Details must be given of the reasons for an extension and a proposed plan for completion of the
work. A request for an extension will have no status until it has been approved by Ceyhun Elci,
the Associate Course Director. Please note that no student may be granted more than one
extension, and strict rules apply to the granting of an extension.
MSc International Business Course Guide 18

The Residential Weekend
You are required to attend a residential weekend, which is scheduled to be held in February
2012. The weekend is held at the Horsley Management Centre situated in Horsley Manor in
Surrey. Coaches will be arranged from the university leaving early in the afternoon of the Friday.
You will be provided with a single room with an en suite bathroom and television. Meals will
include breakfast, lunch and dinner with a choice of food. Facilities available include a bar, pool
table, swimming pool and the grounds of the conference centre. The cost of the weekend is
included in the tuition fees for the course and is non‐refundable in any aspect.
The weekend will include a programme of activities, including an “ice‐breaker” exercise, case
study work relating to all the International Business areas, guidance on the writing of the
dissertation and dissertation workshops and a formal lecture on a relevant topic from an invited
guest lecturer (on some occasions a pervious student of the course). Members of the lecturing
team on the course will be present for all or part of the weekend. A highlight of the weekend is
the formal dinner on the Saturday evening, in which you are invited to wear formal national
costume.
You must abide by the rules and regulations (regarding fire risks, consumption of alcohol, noisy
or rowdy behaviour, abuse of staff) of the conference centre. Failure to do so will result in you
being asked to leave the premises.
If you have care responsibilities for young children you are advised that children unfortunately
are not allowed on the premises. You will also not be allowed to bring spouses, partners or
fiancées to the weekend which is for registered students on the course only
Assessment weighting
The table below shows the weighting of assessment between coursework (CW) and the
examination (EX) for each module on the course.
Module
Code
Semester 1
Title
Credits
(ECTS)
BBS‐7‐IBE International Business Economics 20 (10) Core
BBS‐7‐IMA International Management 20 (10) Core
BBS‐7‐ATQ
Semester 2
BBS‐7‐GIS
BAF‐7‐IFD
Analytical Techniques for
International Business & Finance
Global Information Systems for
Strategic Advantage
International Finance & Decision
Making
20 (10) Core
20 (10)
20 (10)
BBS‐7‐RME Research Methods 20 (10) Core
BBS‐7‐BAP
Business Environment of Asia
Pacific
10 (5)
BBM‐7‐DSM Digital and Social Media 10 (5)
BBS‐7‐EUB European Business 10 (5)
BBM‐7‐GOP Global Operations and Logistics 10 (5)
BBM‐7‐IMK International Marketing 10 (5)
Core/Optional Assessment
Core for
General Pathway
Core for
Finance Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
CW: 40%
EX: 60%
CW: 50%
EX: 50%
CW: 100%
CW: 50%
EX: 50%
CW: 60%
EX: 40%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
MSc International Business Course Guide 19

BBS‐7‐MAC Managing Across Cultures 10 (5)
BBS‐7‐MIR Managing International Resources 10 (5)
BBM‐7‐MKC Marketing Communications 10 (5)
BBS‐7‐PPB Preparing A Project Business Case 10 (5)
BBS‐7‐SSC Service Sector Consultation 10 (5)
BBS‐7‐SDG
Sustainable Development & Global
Citizenship
10 (5)
BAF‐7‐AFM Asset Fund Management 10 (5)
BAF‐7‐BGR Bank Governance & Regulation 10 (5)
BAF‐7‐BPP
BAF‐7‐TIA
Semester 3
International Banking & Bank
Performance
Portfolio Theory and Investment
Analysis
20 (10)
10 (5)
BBS‐7‐DIS Dissertation 60 (30) Core
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
General Pathway
Option for
Finance Pathway
Option for
Finance Pathway
Option for
Finance Pathway
Option for
Finance Pathway
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 100%
CW: 60%
EX: 40%
CW: 100%
Successful completion of the entire course enables a student to obtain a maximum of 180
credits at M (Masters) level, each taught module is either 10 or 20 credits and the dissertation is
60 credits.
How to undertake assessments
For examinations, it is essential to take time to revise the subject matter and prepare for the
examination beforehand. In most modules, there will be a class at the end of the unit that will
provide guidance on how to prepare and how to answer questions under exam conditions,
where there is a constraint on time and where notes and books are not available. Student
support services within the university provide additional classes on exam technique and
revision. Examinations for individual units can only be taken at the times stated. Re‐sit
examinations generally take place in the last week of August and the first week of September.
Any coursework submitted must be word‐processed and must be written in clear,
grammatically correct and good quality English. It must be written in the form stated in the
relevant Module Guide. Normally, this will require you to indicate the sources used in a
bibliography or list of references at the end. (The Harvard system of referencing is the
convention of the university). Quotations from another source must be put in quotation marks
and the details of the source used indicated. If any piece of coursework has been copied from
any other source, this is plagiarism and constitutes a form of academic misconduct. Where it
can be demonstrated that the work has been copied, the student will be awarded a fail mark
(See below).
Assessment Criteria
Students who have not studied in the UK before may be unfamiliar with the grading system
employed in British universities. Students studying in other overseas centres should also take
note of the grades awarded for assessments, as these may differ from the grading system with
which they are familiar in their own country. The following is a guide to the system of grading
and the assessment criteria that is used on the course:
MSc International Business Course Guide 20

% Assessment Criteria
70 and
above
Distinction at Masters Level.
This is an excellent piece of work that is:‐
Well written and presented
Provides evidence of an extensive, first‐hand reading of the relevant
literature
Is structured in a logical manner
Is well reasoned with statements being fully supported with logical
argument
Backs arguments with good reference to the relevant literature
Is carefully focused on the precise question asked
Provides a balanced presentation of arguments (e.g. merits and demerits,
advantages and disadvantages, costs and benefits, etc)
Reaches conclusions that flow logically out of the arguments built up
throughout the essay
Shows evidence of independent, original thought
Demonstrates an ability to engage in critical appraisal and evaluation
60‐69 A good answer, without achieving the status of excellence:‐
Is well written and presented
Provides evidence of a broad, but mainly second‐hand, reading of the
relevant literature
Is structured in a logical manner
Contains some good, well‐developed arguments relevant to the question
asked
Provides some support to arguments made by citing relevant sources
Makes a genuine attempt to address the question asked
But may not manage to adequately cover the full range of arguments on
either side of the issue under consideration
Comes to some good conclusions, but these may not have been fully
developed in the main body of the essay
Lacks evidence of any independent, original thinking
Demonstrates only limited capacity to critically evaluate or appraise the received wisdom
on the subject matter
50‐59 A satisfactory answer to the question, but suffering from certain weaknesses, which
may include:‐
Some presentational deficiencies e.g. some spelling and grammar mistakes,
typing errors, badly‐drawn diagrams or tables, etc
Provides little evidence of much in‐depth reading beyond a few core texts
Lacks good organisation or a coherent structure
Some important arguments and explanations are missing
Fails to support arguments with sufficient reference to other sources or
empirical material
Is lacking in balance, with a failure to adequately develop both sides of an
argument
Unduly subjective, showing poor ability to view the issue objectively
Finishes with an inappropriate conclusion that is not sufficiently grounded
in the arguments developed during the course of the essay and which lacks
credibility
No evidence for any independent thinking or critical appraisal of the subject
matter
50% Pass mark at Masters Level.
40‐49 An unsatisfactory essay, for one or more of the following reasons:
Is written in very poor English, is unclear and contains a large number of
MSc International Business Course Guide 21

39 and
below
grammatical errors and spelling mistakes
Little care has been taken to present the work in the required format
Lacks a complete bibliography or list of references and fails to give
complete details of all sources cited
Is not properly structured with any introduction or conclusion of any kind
Shows no evidence of any reading beyond the essential reading required
for the topic
Makes little or no attempt to address the question asked and contains a lot
of irrelevant material
Represents just the personal opinion of the student, with no evidence of
having consulted the relevant literature
Contains a number of erroneous arguments and lines of reasoning that are
fundamentally flawed
Displays a general ignorance of the subject matter and/or inadequate
understanding of the topic
40% Pass mark at undergraduate level: minimum mark for an element of
assessment at postgraduate level.
A very poor answer, which is unsatisfactory in most aspects listed above
More detailed advice on grading for individual units is provided in Module Guides. If you have
any questions about grading you should discuss these with your module tutor.
5.3. Personal Development Planning (PDP)
The purpose of Personal Development Planning is to encourage you to reflect on your own
learning by assessing your progress and making plans to improve your understanding and skills.
This process encourages you to provide evidence of your skills which will enable you more
readily to find employment suited to your skills and knowledge and abilities. You will be able to
develop PDP in several ways within the programme:
1. The Centre for Learning Support and Development has created many resources to aid PDP.
a. http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/clsd/skills/indexf.html
b. Career Management Skills (CMS) guidance: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/clsd/careers/
2. Academic Assistant ‐ http://www.blc.lsbu.ac.uk/aa/aa/ provides a resource that can be
used to develop many skills necessary for academic success and includes sections on:
a. Study Skills
b. Communication skills
c. Writing Skills
d. Assessment guidance
e. Multimedia lectures on a number of topics relating to management and research.
3. All students are required to develop a personal development file. The greater part of this is
focused on Semester 2 when all the international collaboration students are in London. This
is supported through the Research Methods module with an emphasis on group discussion
and reflection of personal development, particularly in relation to the skills acquisition
needed for the dissertation.
4. The Residential Weekend also focuses on personal study management, time management,
the verification of personal study records, working with a facilitator, and research data
organization. A number of the units require some reflection on their learning which again
would form part of the portfolio.
5. As part of the Research Methods module, you are required to record key features of the
MSc International Business Course Guide 22

esearch process, which are incorporated, and submitted in the research proposal. An
element of reflection of the study process is incorporated into the final dissertation.
The student BlackBoard support site contains materials to help students reflect and develop
their own study approaches.
MSc International Business Course Guide 23

6. LEARNING SUPPORT
6.1 Subject Support for Individual Modules
You should approach your subject tutor in the first instance, and then the module leader listed
on pages 12‐13.
6.2 General Learning Support
Faculty of Business Student Support Centre
The Student Support Centre is YOUR space in the London Road building. The office is run as a
drop‐in centre providing a confidential service that all the Faculty’s students ‐ undergraduates,
postgraduates, full‐time, part‐ time, day and evening ‐ are welcome to use. You are assured of a
friendly welcome, from staff who are ready to listen to you as an individual. We want to help
you with any difficulties you are experiencing as a student, and if we don't have the answer to
your problem, we will try to refer you to someone who does.
Advice can be given on a wide range of problems including:
Assessment such as the approach to coursework
Visa problems
Financial problems
Mitigating circumstances
Stress
Exam results and appeals
Disability
Location LR 105, http://bus.lsbu.ac.uk/students/faculty‐student‐office
Academic Assistant
A website designed to help you improve your learning and assessment skills. It deals with a very
wide range of topics organised under the headings:
Management
Communication
Writing
Assessment
Check the site out early in your studies you will find it a great help.
http://www.blc.lsbu.ac.uk/aa/aa/
University Student Support
Centre for Learning Support and Development
Based in the Perry Library is the Centre for Learning Support and Development (CLSD)
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/clsd/ aims to support you by offering the following services (Including
Library and Information services):
Academic Support
1. Basic Maths ‐ one hour workshops on a range of basic maths areas
2. English Open Classes ‐ 20 hour courses (2 hours a week for 10 weeks in each semester) on 5
different types of academic language skills, for non‐native speakers
3. Study Skills ‐ one hour workshops on a range of study skills areas
4. Writing at University ‐ 20 hour courses (2 hours a week for 10 weeks) on skills for writing at
university, for native speakers
5. One to One appointments ‐ available for maths, English and study skills through a central
booking system (Reception, Caxton House)
MSc International Business Course Guide 24

CASEU: Careers and Student Employment Unit
1. Extensive advice and information services on jobs, careers and further study including
student support and mentoring groups.
2. Wide range of workshops e.g. preparing CVs, interview skills
3. JobShop ‐ web‐based service for finding part‐time work
4. Personal development advice is offered to help students develop strategies for adapting to
university life and developing skills for personal and academic effectiveness.
Dyslexia and Disabilities
Diagnosis, advice and support are offered for students with dyslexia and disabilities by a team
of specialised staff.
Chaplaincy
Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic chaplains are attached to the University. They offer
confidential non‐judgemental pastoral care to all students of the University as well as
discussions and prayers.
Learning Resources Centre
The LRC is a purpose‐built IT and electronic information centre, completed in early 1996.
Designed specifically to give students the means to research and produce excellent work for
their courses and staffed to provide appropriate support, the LRC houses nearly 450
workstations and associated peripherals. The Central Helpdesk is situated on 1 North and is
your first stop for any general queries regarding the facilities. The centre provides access to a
wide range of software, printing and photocopying. The Language centre is located in the LRC.
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/lrc/
Useful links for students
Current Student Gateway: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/
Business Faculty Student Gateway: http://bus.lsbu.ac.uk/intranet/students/
Central Services ‐ Academic Regulations:
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/assessmentExaminations.html
Accommodation Office: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/housing/
Administration Records (links to academic calendars; withdrawal forms; changing names;
references; transcripts etc):
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/administrationRecords.html
Fees: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/fees/howToPay.html
Students' Union: http://www.lsbsu.org/
Useful Forms and Publications (including Student Handbook):
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/formsPublications.html
IT Services:
Set up your IT account: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/selfservice/
Blackboard: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/blackboard.html
Email: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/email/
IT Resources: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/ITResources.html
Centre for Learning, Support & Development:
Library Services: http://www.lisa.lsbu.ac.uk/
Exam Paper Finder: http://www.lisa.lsbu.ac.uk/008_dbresources/exams(wam).htm
Module Guide Finder: http://www.lisa.lsbu.ac.uk/008_dbresources/uguides(wam).htm
Student Advice and Guidance: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/learningsupport/index.html
Disability Dyslexia Support: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/learningsupport/disabilities/index.html
Skills for Learning: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/learningsupport/skills/
Student Advice & Guidance: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/learningsupport/advice/
MSc International Business Course Guide 25

7. CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COURSE
The responsibility for the operation and development of the Course resides with the Course
Director and Associate Course Director, supported by the Course Manager (Administrator).
They will meet with the members of the Course Team, which consists of the Module
Coordinators for all the taught modules and the Module Coordinators in the overseas centres to
evaluate the operation of the course and to consider its development. An important role in this
process is played by the Course Board, which meets at least twice a year.
7.1 Course Management
The Course Director (CD) is directly responsible for the Course. The CD ensures that the course
is properly delivered, convenes and chairs the Course Boards, presents coursework and exam
marks to the Awards and Progression Board, manages the long‐term development of the course
and liaises with the overseas centres.
The Associate Course Director (ACD) assists the Course Director in these tasks and has a
responsibility for the management of the Dissertation Stage of the course. His tasks include
receiving research proposals from students, allocating supervisors, receiving completed
dissertations and arranging for their internal and external assessment. All matters pertaining to
the Dissertation should be submitted to the Associate Course Director. He is also organizer of
the Residential Weekend.
The Course Manager (Administrator) supports the CD and ACD and has an administrative task
in ensuring the effective day‐to‐day running of the course, including liaison with the overseas
centres.
7.2 Course Board
The Course Board plays an important role in the running of the course. The Course Board meets
once a semester and is comprised of the staff teaching on the course and representatives of the
students on the Course. At the start of the course, you will be invited to choose one
representative from your seminar group to represent you on the Course Board. The Board is
chaired by the Course Director and is responsible to the University Academic Standards
Committee and to the Faculty Academic Standards Committee for the operation of the course.
Course boards will be held at all the overseas centres in Semester 1.
7.3 Course Monitoring Procedures
The course is monitored and evaluated through the Annual Course Monitoring Report, which is
written by the Course Director and approved by the Course Board, before being forwarded to
the Faculty Academic Standards Committee.
A second vital aspect of quality monitoring is the student evaluation of course units and the
course as a whole, by questionnaire for each module you have studied. Your responses are
reported to and discussed by the Course Board and the overall outcome appears in the annual
Course Monitoring Report. Student evaluations are a valuable way in which the operation of the
course can be assessed, leading to improvements in both to the individual modules and of the
course as a whole.
The Course Director and Associate Course Director are also available throughout the year to
meet student representatives to discuss any problems that may arise.
MSc International Business Course Guide 26

8. COURSE REGULATIONS
8.1 Assessment Regulations: Awards and Progression
Rough Guide to MSc International Business Examination Regulations
This summary of the regulations is provided for your information, it does not constitute part
of the Academic Regulations, and these are to be found at:
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/rights.html
1. To proceed to the dissertation you need to pass all 6 or 7 taught modules, or to pass 5 or 6
taught modules including Research Methods and have one compensated pass. To pass a
module each element (coursework and the examination) the mark must be at least 40% and
the overall mark must be at least 50%. A compensated pass can be awarded where the 5
other modules are passed and the overall mark for a paper is above 40% and no element
(examination or coursework) is below 30%.
2. If you fail 1‐3 modules you will be required to resit the elements you have failed. Resit
coursework will be posted on the Faculty of Business website in July and the resit
examinations will be held in late August early September. The timetable will be posted at
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/bustt/ Your marks for referred modules will be capped at 50%
3. If you fail referred modules you will be required to retake those modules the following year,
you will have to pay for these modules.
4. The maximum number of times you can attempt the assessment of a particular module is
four, the first sitting and referral, the retake and referral. If you have failed a module four
times you can no longer continue on the course. If you fail to hand in coursework or fail to
complete an examination, this is treated as one of the four attempts.
5. If you are unable to proceed to the dissertation, you can be awarded a Postgraduate
Certificate (PgCert) in International Business, if you have passed 3 modules equalling 60
credits.
6. If you fail more than 3 modules you will be once allowed to retake the year for all the
modules, up to a maximum of 4 or 5 modules with attendance, (there are fees for this
though) if you fail 5 or 6 modules will be failed and you will not be allowed to continue the
course.
7. To be awarded the degree you will need to be awarded more than 50% in your dissertation.
8. If you fail the dissertation will get 1 more opportunity to resubmit it but the mark will be
capped at 50%. If you do not submit the dissertation by the deadline, this will be treated as
one of your two submissions and you will be referred.
9. If you fail the dissertation twice you will be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). The
requirement for a Postgraduate Diploma is that you have 6 or 7 passes in the taught
modules, one of which may be a compensated pass.
10. If your average mark across all your taught modules and the dissertation (which counts as 3
modules) is 60‐69% you will be awarded the degree with merit.
11. If your average mark across all your taught modules and the dissertation (which counts as 3
modules) is 70% or more you will be awarded the degree with distinction.
12. If medical or personal problems affect your performance on the course you must claim
extenuating circumstances. For your extenuating circumstances to be accepted you must
provide supporting evidence, e.g. medical certificates. See
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/extenuating.html
Extenuating Circumstances
If you believe that your assessed work (coursework or examinations) has been affected by
circumstances outside your control, you must submit a claim for extenuating circumstances.
Details and the form are available from
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/extenuating.html or L105. There is a strict deadline for
the submission of extenuating circumstances, no more that 5 working days after the
MSc International Business Course Guide 27

examination or coursework deadline to which the extenuating circumstances relate. The
claim must be supported by original documents providing independent documentary evidence
at the time when the circumstances occurred. This might include a doctor’s certificate if the
circumstances are of a medical nature. Grounds for claim are normally limited to (a) serious
personal illness or (b) the death or serious illness of a member of the immediate family before
the date of the assessment. Extenuating circumstances may not normally be claimed on the
grounds that the student has family, work, financial or other general problems, unless medical
evidence can be produced to show that this has affected the student’s mental health.
Extenuating circumstances are considered by a special panel of the Faculty prior to the
Examinations Board (see below) and the decision is reported to the Examinations Board.
Plagiarism
In recent years plagiarism has been seen by all universities in the UK, Europe, the USA and
elsewhere as a growing problem, and a serious issue. London South Bank University and the
Department of Business are playing their part in trying to reduce plagiarism at all levels.
Plagiarism and its dangers
Students often get into trouble with the Academic Misconduct Authorities of the University
because they either;
a. do not understand what plagiarism is, or
b. they fail to see that they have committed plagiarism by not being careful in how they
approach and present their academic work.
It is not difficult to avoid plagiarism, by taking a little care, and being aware of the rules and
regulations of the University. The problem is made more difficult because the Internet and
electronic forms of information and data often make it seem that information is freely available
for all of us to use. However, all academic and other forms of information has been written by
someone, or created by some institution or company. You cannot use this work as if it were
produced by you. To do so can lead you into serious disciplinary problems with the University
authorities.
What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is the practice of representing another person’s work as your own, without
acknowledgment of the source. Examples of plagiarism include:‐
Including in a student’s own work more than a single phrase from the work of another
person without use of quotation marks and acknowledgement of the source;
Summarising another person’s work by changing a few words, or altering the format or
order of presentation, without acknowledgement;
Using the ideas of another person, or data gathered by another person, in assessed work
presented as your own, without acknowledgement of the source;
Copying the work of another source (e.g. a book or article, or the work of another current
or past student at LSBU or elsewhere);
Using and presenting as your own material prepared by another person and stored on a
computer disk or downloaded from the Internet.
Help to avoid Plagiarism
The University provides a considerable amount of materials and assistance to help you to avoid
the pitfalls of plagiarism. With this available, it is no defence for you to say ‘I didn’t know, or
understand that I was plagiarising’.
You should read the following university materials.
The Library has several very good simple help sheets on the subject.
Help Sheet HS04 Plagiarism, gives a clear definitive view and help on the subject. It is at:
www.lsbu.ac.uk/library/html/documents/hs4.pdf
Help Sheet HS30, How to Do Your Referencing Using the Harvard System is a first class guide
on referencing, including electronic references. It is at:
MSc International Business Course Guide 28

www.lsbu.ac.uk/library/html/documents/hs30.pdf
Help Sheet HS28, How to do your Referencing Numerical Style is at:
www.lsbu.ac.uk/library/html/documents/hs28.pdf
The Student Handbook has a section on Plagiarism. It is at:
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/handbook.html
Academic Assistant has a good website looking at Referencing and Quotations at:
http://www.blc.lsbu.ac.uk/aa/aa/Communication/Writing%20Skills/R%26Q(68)/R%26Q_3H
arvardSystem(68).html
How to Avoid Plagiarism is tackled at the interesting Purdue University webpage at:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/
The Plagiarism Advisory Service, run by Turnitin, has some good advice at:
http://www.jiscpas.ac.uk/apppage.cgi?USERPAGE=7510
Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes are boring, certainly, but very important.
They are at:
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/downloads/AcademicRegsTaughtProgs.pdf
Why do Universities get so upset about Plagiarism?
Consider two students. One has worked very hard in the library for six months on a dissertation.
The other has ‘cut and pasted’ large chunks of material from the web and ‘wrote’ a dissertation
in a few days. Should both get the same mark? It is because plagiarism is a form of cheating for
personal advantage that the university takes a strong line on exposing students who plagiarise
and copy other people’s work.
What if I am Caught Plagiarising?
Plagiarism is a form of serious academic misconduct and is not allowed. Where plagiarism has
been taken place, the case will be reported to the Academic Misconduct Co‐ordinator for the
Business Studies Department – Michael Wood. A preliminary investigation takes place to
determine whether the allegation of plagiarism is justified. If it is the case, the matter will
become the subject of a full investigation by the university, in which the student will be given
the opportunity to explain their actions. Taking into account the explanation given by the
student, a specially convened, independent university panel will, then, recommend to the
Examinations Board the appropriate penalty. Where plagiarism has occurred, it may result in
the student failing the module without the opportunity to be re‐assessed. In extreme cases, a
student may be deemed to have failed all modules of the course and be asked to terminate
their studies and leave the university.
Plagiarism is very serious
There are very strict university rules that apply to all aspects of plagiarism
Punishment is very severe, with significant financial and personal costs to you
The investigation and judicial process is very thorough, and so necessarily slow. The
university uses a range of detection systems, including the JISC (Joint Information Systems
Committee) computer based system, Turnitin, and other computer based systems.
You cannot progress or graduate until the full process is completed. It may take 3‐6 months
This may mean you miss the graduation ceremony
Even if you are found innocent, you may easily miss an academic year and not graduate
with your friends
Student Requirements on Courses and Modules
You can submit your work to the Turnitin system for checking. This can easily be done through
the Blackboard site for each module. Instructions are on the Blackboard site for the module.
In addition, to address the problem of plagiarism in the writing of coursework, the Business
Department requires you to submit a copy of all coursework in electronic form, and a paper
print out of the Turnitin Report needs to be attached to the back of the coursework when it is
handed in to LR 105. Work cannot be marked without this. You may also be required to submit
to a viva voce interview and investigation to demonstrate that your work is authentic.
MSc International Business Course Guide 29

Remember
One simple guarantee that you are not plagiarising is to show your work to your class tutor
before you submit it, with your Turnitin Report and ask, “Am I doing something silly here. Am
I at risk of being caught plagiarising?” They will give you advice.
8.2. Award Board and External Examiners
To ensure comparability of the standards of your M.Sc. award with that of other UK universities,
the University operates a system of examination boards and external examiners. The University
operates a two‐tier system of examination boards. At tier one, Subject Area Boards meet on a
subject basis and approve the marks allocated for individual modules. The Board is comprised
of a Chair (nominated by the Dean of the Faculty), individual module coordinators and the
subject external examiners.
At tier two, an Awards and Progression Board is convened to approve each student’s
progression to the next stage of the programme and to award degrees where students have
successfully completed the required assessment. Where students have not met the
requirements to pass individual modules, they may be referred in all or part of the assessments.
The Board is comprised of a Chair (nominated by the Dean of the Faculty), the Course Director
and Associate Course Director, members of the course team and the external examiners.
An important role in this process is played by the external examiners. External examiners are
appointed to both the Subject Area and Awards and Progression Boards. The external
examiners are required to approve examination papers set for individual modules, sample
assessed work (coursework and examination scripts), approve the marks given for individual
modules (including Dissertations) and offer advice.
The M.Sc. International Business Examination Boards will meet in an early week commencing in
July 2012, the Resit Board will meet in an early week commencing in September 2012.
Marks for semester one modules are released on a provisional basis in March, 2012, as the
marks are not final until confirmed by the full Subject Area Board at the end of June. A special
meeting of the Awards and Progression Board also takes place in March to award Masters
Degrees to students who have successfully completed the dissertation stage of the course.
Results are published on blackboard after the marks have been approved by the two exam
boards. Students are also notified in writing. No marks may be released before the formal date
of publication. Marks will be withheld for students who have failed to pay their tuition or other
fees.
You have the right to appeal against the decision of the exam board, if you consider that an
administrative error has occurred which has affected the decision of the Board, or that
mitigating circumstances affecting your performance have not been sufficiently taken into
account http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/examAppeals.html . You are encouraged in the
first instance to consult with the Course Director before submitting an appeal. If, however, you
wish to do so, you must complete an appeal form (copies are available from the Student Union),
including any written evidence for the appeal, and send the form to Student Administration
within two weeks of the publication of the results by the Faculty Office. Your appeal will be
considered by an independent panel and, after a full investigation, you will be informed of the
outcome. If the case is upheld, the exams board may be re‐convened to reconsider your case.
MSc International Business Course Guide 30